The World Bank has published a Policy Research Working Paper titled Governance in Health Care Delivery – Raising Performance.

This paper—a product of the Development Economics Department and the Human Development Department—is part
of a larger effort in both departments to understand governance and sector policy.

According to the paper “The impacts of health care investments in developing and transition countries are typically measured by inputs and general health outcomes. Missing from the health agenda are measures of performance that reflect whether health systems are meeting their objectives; public resources are being used appropriately; and the priorities of governments are being implemented.”

The paper suggests that “good governance is central to raising performance in health care delivery. Crucial to high performance are standards, information, incentives and accountability.”

The paper provides “a definition of good governance in health and a framework for thinking about governance.”